Champion of the Year: Central Illinois
Unites and recognizes the community’s most active leaders in the name of inclusion.
6:00 PM | Peoria, IL
Thank You!
Thank you for participating in this year’s Champion of the Year event! Because of you, we were able to raise funds to sustain and help expand our Best Buddies programs in the area. We look forward to having you at next year’s event. With your help and support, our mission of inclusion lives on!
Best Buddies Champion of the Year is a competitive fundraising campaign that unites and recognizes leaders of inclusion in local communities nationwide.
Champion Candidates commit to raising funds and awareness for Best Buddies throughout their campaign. Our Champions advocate for the Best Buddies mission and will generate countless opportunities for friendships, jobs, leadership development, inclusive living and family support. At the Best Buddies Champion of the Year celebration, we honor the Champions’ collective impact and name the ultimate Champion of the Year!
Join us for Best Buddies Champion of the Year: Playing in Peoria for a night of Best Buddies mission, food, fun, and more! Cocktail hour will feature Best Buddies participant Daniel Van Buskirk and Bunny singing for guests as they arrive. And for the first time ever, our silent disco sponsored by American Family Insurance will feature 3 Peoria DJs. DJ McFly, DJ Snacks, and DJ Real Juicy will compete in the first ever Best Buddies DJ Battle after we crown our 2026 Champion of the Year! Be part of this fun, engaging, magic night and support people with IDD in Central Illinois.
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Schedule
Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026
Doors Open: 6:00 PM
Dinner & Program: 7:00 PM
Event Ends: 11:00 PM
Inclusion Afterparty at Neon Bison,
Main St. downtown Peoria.
Location
Embassy Suites by Hilton East Peoria
100 Conference Center Dr.
East Peoria, IL 61611
Event Contact
Congrats to our 2025 Illinois Champion of the Year
Brooklin Heeren
Raised $85,980 for Best Buddies in Central Illinois
Illinois: Central Illinois
A Glimpse of the Party...
Why Participate...
All funds raised benefit Best Buddies – the largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people worldwide with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our programs empower people with IDD to form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure jobs, improve communication and advocacy skills, and live independently, while also offering support for their families.
The IDD community that Best Buddies serves individuals with IDD and their families. The IDD community includes, but is not limited to, people with Down syndrome, autism, Fragile X, Williams syndrome, and other undiagnosed disabilities.
We Love our Sponsors!
Presenting Sponsor
Signature Sponsor
Additional Sponsors
For sponsorship opportunities and other event inquiries, please contact: